Because our schools, and merger supporters in general, have failed to make an honest, evidence-based case for merging the Canajoharie and Fort Plain School Districts. Their financial and enrollment cases have been entirely discredited: and all they are offering educationally are unsubstantiated “for the kids future” platitudes; along with baubles and bows.

Merging schools is a big deal.  It is an irreversible decision that will have a profound impact on all future students and on our communities. Before making such a decision, the voters deserve comprehensive, transparent, evidence to help them make the best choice.  Have the schools provided the public with that comprehensive, transparent evidence? No, they have not.  Their information contains no data relevant to the question of should schools merge, and no research results. Relevant data and research results are shared in the posts on this site, and on the Data page. Highlights are linked below.

Finances & Taxes 
Is the Emperor Wearing Clothes? (School Finance Edition) (May 29, 2026)
What happens when schools reject a proposed merger? (April 27, 2026)
What is the (True) Financial Experience of Schools that Merge? (Two) (April 23, 2026)
Additional Posts on Finances

Enrollment
Is Declining Enrollment a Valid Reason for Merging Schools? (Two) (April 1, 2026)
What about OESJ and CVA? (May 11, 2026) 

Student Opportunities
Is Bigger Better? (Five) (April 16, 2026)
What are the negative consequences of merging schools? (April 9, 2026)
Other Posts on Student Opportunities 

Student Achievement
Do Mergers Improve Student Performance? (CVA) (May 21, 2026)
Do Mergers Improve Student Performance? (OESJ) (May 14, 2026)
Is Bigger Better? (Six) (May 4, 2026)
Other Posts on Student Outcomes

Community Vitality
How do School Mergers Impact Communities? (Two) (May 18, 2026)
What are the negative consequences of merging schools? (April 9, 2026)
How do School Mergers Impact Communities? (March 13, 2026)
Other Posts on Community Vitality

Why don’t merger supporters cite data and research?  My observation is that there are too many people whose views are unshakable.  Mergers are good; and bigger schools are better: the end.  There is no need for data or evidence. They already know the answer; and if there is data that contradicts their superstitious belief, well, then that data must be wrong and the people sharing it must be bad or stupid. 

Data and evidence are important. We deserve much more from our schools then we get from the merger study and the other propaganda and videos. Review the actual evidence, and make the right decision. Vote NO on June 4.